Interesting Saturday night scene. D.j. spinning not your typical Irish bar music. Solid menu. Tasty burger. Suggest trying the Buffalo chicken mac and cheese. Nestled just of the beaten path of Ybor City. And they have an extensive beer selection on tap
(4)
Mark P.
So they claim to have the best burger...and I have to say, it wasn't too shabby. Definitely better than many burger joints in the area. It was pretty hearty too. I didn't end up finishing the whole burger and fries, which were of the thicker variety. The All American burger with cheese tallied up to around $14 with tax and tip. The service is a little cold, you know where the server just seems to be going through the motions and doesn't want to be there. That's when no one was there. The other time I went when it was busy, I was ignored so I just walked out. The decor is nicer than most Ybor bars and they played great music. So it seems to be a fun hangout spot. Nice patio too.
(3)
Liz M.
This is a great bar! There is always something going on! The crowd is very friendly and the bar tenders are great! I've gotten the James Joyce burger a couple of times... And it is truly the best burger in the bay. I well be coming back for this many more times. The on tap beers are a great and unique variety! I like to try new beers and they always have suggestions!
(5)
Wesley B.
I love the whole feel of Irish bars so I end up here almost every time I go to Ybor Town. It always seems to start or end here at James Joyce. Its a nice medium sized bar with an great beer selection. Love the pinaaple cider (even though they ran out the last time). Like all bars the atmopshere can get crazy on weekends. Doesn't get too crazy though, as the most you'll see is a leprechaun giving a lap dance to two women in the middle of the bar. Seriously, it's pretty mellow and laid back for the most part. Because it's a block off 8th street, it doesn't get as packed as some other bars get so its pretty easy to walk around. Overall, James Joyce is a pretty chill bar with a killer draft beer selection. One of my favorite spots to go to in the area.
(3)
Angela N.
The bartenders and servers are great at James Joyce and so is the food. We visited this place at least four times a month and almost every time we come to Ybor. The negatives are the horrible management who has no problem being completely disrespectful and disgusting to people on their Facebook page. There was an incident where this happened in the past over a bicycle and we didn't pay much attention to it. After losing a local competition on Sunday, Ryan (the owner) was posting on the FB page was out of control as they proceeded to call children mongoloids, people rednecks, mother f**ckers, c*ck suckers, and hicks. He told a guy (the respective redneck) that he among other things he would "...headbutt your f'ing teeth out of the back your f'ing skull mother f'er and butt f*ck your mother..." After reading these things, I posted the following comment on their page: "We go to James Joyce often, but if we were to judge your place by the way you are representing your company on this post, we would never consider going there at all. So unprofessional. I hope this post doesn't turn people off as you have a great establishment and usually a welcoming atmosphere." I thought that was a respectful comment. To which I was told: to go f$ck myself, piss off, eat sh*t, "hope you get ebola and your kids catch cat aids", that I was a self righteous tw*t, a f*cking c#nt, and that I was a self righteous f'ing c$nt burger. He also said to "Post this on yelp. Screen freeze it. and while you are at it, f*ck yelp those extortionist f#ckheads that extort small businesses." All comments were saved and are posted here as of this posting. Whether yelp allows them to stay is yet to be seen as they are extremely vulgar. On Monday they claimed that their page was hacked, they shut down their reviews on FB, and deleted and blocked anyone who disagreed with them. There's a pattern of bad owner behavior here and it's obvious the page wasn't hacked. If it was, why didn't the employees who were commenting on the post mention it?
(1)
Diane H.
I this bar/restaurant. The staff is friendly and fast, the food is always good ( you absolutely have to try the Siracha burger) and the price is right. There is a wonderfully large selection of beers, live music most nights, in the atmosphere of a good old-fashioned pub. After he lackluster dinner earlier this evening, my brother ordered breakfast at 10 PM and it was spot on! Apparently, breakfast is a new thing for James Joyce and they are rocking it!
(5)
Kelly A.
Food is good but the Owner of this place has no class! Dont try to park your bike here they will destroy it. Also, dont share any sort of opinion about how the owner treats people. You will be banned from the place. There are too many places to go to in Ybor, my suggestion is take your money to the Bad Monkey instead.
(1)
Samantha N.
I absolutely love this bar/restaurant. They have a huge selection of beers and the food is outstanding, especially their award winning Jameson and Siracha Burger. They added new dishes to their menu like the almond crusted brie cheese, and they also have the Late Night Breakfast with chicken and waffles. YUM! The atmosphere there is laid back and low key. They have live music on most nights and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Their bartenders Chris and Nick are very knowledgable and entertaining. I love those guys. If you're looking for a fun place to eat and drink, this is the place for you. Probably the best bar in Tampa Bay.
(5)
rodney o.
We really liked the scotch egg appetizer and the Sriracha burger. Our server Joey was fun and went beyond our expectations. Good beer selection. I would recommend this place.
(4)
Fabian M.
I have been many times to James Joyce now and I love this bar. Depending on the day, it could be a laid back bar to enjoy one of their many beer choices on tap, or a nice place to hear live Irish music, or club-like DJ playing dance-able music, or just the place to come with a group of friends and play Giant size Jenga. I've tried their burgers and they're awesome! they won best burger in town and have many other awards and recognition on it. I also had the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni n Cheese and that thing was tasty! The service is very friendly and they have always done a great job, even when they are super packed!!
(4)
Anna M.
I am a big fan of James Joyce. Located on the outskirts of the main strip of Ybor makes it even more appealing so you won't have to deal with the douchebaggery. There is a great beer selection here with a diverse food menu. We went last night for their crawfish boil. It was a great deal - one 1.5 pound basket for $7.99 or two baskets for $10.99! The basket includes potatoes, sausage, and corn-on-the-cob. Last night was my virgin experience, so the owner was generous enough to give me a tutorial on how to properly eat a crawfish! We also had the Buffalo Chicken Mac n' Cheese which was divine! Matt, our server, and Brett, the manager, were kind enough to keep on checking on my progress. I will definitely be back for more crawfish and for the great vibe!
(4)
Kathy D.
This was my first time at this establishment and it felt so comfortable. No pressure, just a nice place to chill in good company. They have an enormous selection of draft beers on tap, something for everyone. The bartender was professional, but laid back and let us sample a few tastes of beer, so we could choose a new one we had never had and that we enjoyed the flavor of. A great place to hang out with friends or alone. The establishment just kinda draws you in and makes you feel comfortable and welcome. The only drawback was it could have more comfortable chairs. I didn't try the food this time, but I will nect time. What's a girl to do? We all need a home away from home!
(3)
Malinda L.
Love going to James Joyce, they have changed a lot since their old location on 7th ave. The newer menu is awesome, enjoyed everything I have tried so far. Bartenders are always cool and they always seem to have something fun going on. Went there last weekend and they had a really good band as well. We always end up here at some point cause it's always a good time.
(5)
Holly L.
Moved to Tampa 7 months ago and I've been looking for a great hamburger. This place is the place to go to if you're looking for an amazing juicy burger.
(5)
Jill N.
Excellent pub. The Jameson BBQ Burger was to die for! My husband's Buffalo Chicken Sandwich was equally delicious. Our waiter, Joey, could not have been better. Brought me 3 beer samples to make sure I got the one I really like, Will return again and again.
(4)
Darlene W.
Love the James Joyce pub, as I've reviewed before-great atmosphere, good music, varied events, friendly patrons and staff. Burgers are great, as is my sons favorite of fries with a side of Guinness gravy. Tonight we attended during a lightning play off game and they offered 12 free wings with the purchase of 2 alcoholic beverages-not a problem with their huge, I think 50 craft beers on tap. The wings were amazing, a great surprise bc I never heard of them having great wings. Will definitely order them again. Noticed that in subsequent play off games, that I didn't view there the promo changed from 12 to 10 and finally 8 wings! Just sayin...
(4)
Cat G.
Great place in Ybor! Staff is great and so friendly! I have not tried their food but the selection of drinks is amazing. Their wild pineapple cider is incredible. I suggest sitting outside-they have heaters going when it is cold & you just might get to see someone drive over the trolly tracks and mess up their car. Apparently it happens every night. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Amy Z.
Went for a Guinness glass engraving event here that was advertised from 7-9. We got there at 7:45 - out of glasses. What??? They have a lot of beer taps, which I like. Food was OK, but overpriced. Service was just OK.
(2)
Roberto T.
Where should I begin. The burger selection is amazing. They can accommodate for vegetarian or vegan choices. The beer selection is delicious plus the environment is safe. Ybor City needs more establishments like James Joyce. Bryan & Janice are the owners and the love customers. Do yourself a favor. Go to James Joyce!
(5)
Meaghan H.
My review is for the bar only, we did not eat here. I really enjoyed my experience. There is a paid parking lot across the street, but if you make a couple loops around the block you can find free street parking pretty easily. Upon walking into the bar I was greeted with happy chatter from the patrons and laughter from the bartenders, always a good sign. It felt like walking into an authentic Irish pub; friendly, homey, and comfortable with dark wood and dim lighting. There was plenty of seating both in and outside, and there was a table close to the back where people were playing Jenga which I thought was cool. Drinks were mixed well and they had quite a large selection of beer, the bartenders were very friendly and jovial. They never made me feel like I had to wait or that they were inconvenienced by my order. The only negative part of my night there was the bathroom; it was a bit dirty and 2 of the stalls had run out of toilet paper. It's pretty awkward when you have to spot a stranger with some by throwing it over the top of the stall. Besides that uncomfortable encounter, my friends and I had a great time.
(4)
Sandy B.
The staff here is awesome. I went with 3 friends who all happen to have August birthdays, so we took advantage of their Birthday freebie! The food was fantastic. The Scotch Eggs were delish as a starter and the Shepherd's Pie was almost as good as mine. My friends LOVED the Fish n Chips and be sure to ask for a side of gravy to drag their deliciously crispy fries thru! Yummy Gravyliciousness! The barkeep makes an awesome Kamikazi Shot, and the Bloody Mary was one of the best on my Best Bloody Mary EVER List!
(5)
Darrin B.
I always stop here when I am at Ybor City, whether for a quick shot of Jameson's or a few cocktails. To me this is the Bar to visit in Ybor. I love that it is off the main road because that keeps the "local" atmosphere at the bar. The bar staff have always greeted me warmly and the service is prompt and they don't hover over you. I readily recommend this little bar... You will love it and make it a regular stop on your visits to Ybor.
(5)
Mark R.
I feel like a three and a half star rating doesn't do this place justice. Every time I visit this place I have such a memorable experience. It is a great place to escape reality for the night with a large group and socialize with family or friends. I can't put my finger on it but in about the last two years, the quality of the food here has definitely improved significantly. I wasn't too crazy about the food here if you asked me three years ago. The burgers are a major highlight for me and the chicken tenders tossed in Jameson BBQ with Hot sauce are great. Come in here and have a pint of your favorite draft, maybe a shot (or a few), grab some great food, relax, and mingle. And of course, have a designated driver or request an Uber, if you've had one too many!
(5)
Mark H.
Time for an update, and here's why. Recently, the owner posted a message on Facebook stating that he was about sick and tired of all this 'best burger in Tampa' talk, and in order to prove his burger is the best, he would be giving them away for free. Free burger? Sign me the fugg up. Surprisingly, there weren't many hoops to jump thru. Hit the provided link, put in your e-mail, print the e-mail and bring it into the bar. Only requirement was to buy 2 drinks. Easy. La Chica and I sit at the bar, I order a regular burger medium with cheddar and she ordered the Southwestern burger, medium as well. Nick, the bartender, puts in our order and then takes the time to help us select the right beers. There are 50 taps on the rail, so we sampled a bunch before deciding. This activity pretty much chewed up our wait time for the burgers; it was great! So Nick, thanks for that rail tour. About 12 minutes go by, and here they come. Like mountain tops over the horizon, I can see the burgers emerge from the kitchen. Not because I'm starving and I'm peering into the kitchen like a hawk, but because they're FREAKING MASSIVE. These burgers were way larger than I expected. One just doesn't realize that 10 oz. means business when it comes to burgers. So now we're thinking, "How in the HELL are we going to eat these?" We seriously should have split one. Shaking my head as if I'd made a terrible mistake, I accept the challenge. I cut the burger open to see how it's cooked, and to my surprise, it's not only medium, but it's medium throughout. Absolutely perfect. I licked my left index finger because it touched the hot beefy patty, and it was then that I realized this thing was not only huge and cooked to perfection, but it was FLAAAAAAAAMMMMMMEEEEE GRILLED. Read my reviews, people. This is kind of a big deal for me. I took one bite, and I was hooked. This cow might not have been raised on Waters Ave. like they are over at Bern's, but we just might have a new champion burger in town regardless. Dear James Joyce owners, you may have a legitimate claim to the burger throne, and I can only HOPE that plenty of people took advantage of this incredible offer. BRAVO!
(5)
Gigi S.
Due to a free burger offering here, I had to head on in to try the burger. I've had many a treat at James Joyce since they were on 7th ave in Ybor above Green Iguana, but never a burger, so I sat down at the new location (old Mema's Tacos) to give this burger the time it deserved. I should have skipped all the delicious toppings, but ended picking some off. The huge, flame-flavored patty that was beautifully cooked to a bloody medium rare makes me salivate just writing about it! The offer was for a free burger with purchase of two drinks to prove that it was the best in the bay. Was it? Yeah, I can't believe it, it really was! i mentally compared to all local burgers in my mental bank of flavors, and I'm ready to pay full price for this burger as soon as I can get back there, for sure!
(5)
Caitlin B.
They always have a large selection of shot specials and beers. The service is hit or miss, but usually a lot of fun.
(4)
Bex D.
Came here for birthday dinner and got a free entree! Got the shepherds pie and it was hot, tasty, and plenty of food! Server was good but slow, pretty sure they are understaffed.
(4)
Freddie E.
Great atmosphere and friendly staff are the corner stones of this pub. The food is nothing to sneeze at either fresh and tasty it pairs greatly with the wide array of after hours beverages.
(5)
Alyssa H.
Another good visit to the James Joyce. Not as crazy busy on a Sunday. Good lunch only specials. I got soup and a half sandwich. The Ruben here is one of my favorite in Tampa. Great place to stop by for any visit to Ybor. If you enjoy beer they have a wide variety on tap....50 to be exact!
(4)
Ken D.
I work close to here so I make it a point to try something different every time. Besides all the beers on tap and an amazing array of foods My personal favorite thing is 10 dollar two pound lobster on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Go have a few great beers then as many lobsters as you can eat! If you live in Tampa and don't take advantage of this,your just crazy! The staff is always nice and attentive! Truly a gem in Ybor City. I love it!
(5)
Charles P.
The first dish they brought out was a disaster. Some kind of Buffalo chicken, cheese and macaroni concoction that had too much cheese, too much hot, and not enough flavor. Thankfully one of the managers was nearby (actually, the waitress may have brought him over) and he heard that I didn't like it. I told them it was okay, I didn't mind cause it was free anyway and it was my fault for ordering it (It did say five cheeses on the menu). On the third time he offered to bring me something different, I accepted and I'm glad I did. Jameson BBQ Burger = Delicious! Huge burger cooked just to your liking. You start eating it and the combination of flavors hits your palette with delight! The tastes of the bacon, BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese, and everything in between work so well together to make your taste buds so very happy. I know this sounds like a advertisement, but I had do it for them because they were so accommodating. I have to go again, for the very least - to thank the waitress for being so attentive. I felt like she was only taking care of me, even though she had everyone covered. So sorry I didn't get to hear her name. Can't wait to try some of the other delicious sounding dishes on the menu. I'd go again!
(4)
Jason P.
It's definitely the best Irish pub in ybor city. The cocktails are reasonably priced. The staff are pretty on top of things. There is no smoking inside. The food is pretty damn good too. They play music and there are plenty of TV's.
(5)
Aleema A.
I am a fan of this place! I love me an Irish Bar and it's right in Ybor City. Some friends and I decided to head down there for Sunday Funday b/c well, not not? I Immediately liked the feel of this place. There was plenty of places to sit, the atmosphere was very chill and comfortable. We had a couple of rounds (if you like cider and Harp, go with a Snakebite, it's my absolute favorite) and then decided to share the Irish Fries...hot diggety! I've never had Irish Fries before and I have to say, I was a huge fan! Next time I come back here, I definitely want to try it out at night and see what it's like.
(5)
Randi H.
This bar/restaurant is super dirty. The drinks are overpriced and the food was awful.
(1)
Steve E.
James Joyce Irish Pub is a terrific little drinking establishment found in the heart of Ybor City. James Joyce Irish Pub (or JJ for short) opened at the site of the former Alaskan Tacos stand in central Ybor City about 18 months ago, along 8th Avenue, and they've completely transformed the corner at 8th and Angel Oliva Senior Street (also known as N 18th Street). There's plenty of parking at their private lot next to the pub, as well as on-street parking right nearby, and even a paid City parking lot diagonally across the street. Outside the pub is a great patio area to sit and sip a pint while letting your dog curl up at your feet. Yup, another dog-friendly spot in Ybor! Inside, JJ's has the look at feel of a traditional neighborhood pub with a long wooden bar, dark lighting, a fireplace, and comfy seating all around. There's a great selection of beers, classic pub grub, sassy serving wenches, and happy chatter from every corner of the pub. JJ's advertises 50 draft beers on hand, and judging from the number of tap handles behind the bar I can certainly support that claim. The bar also serves up a selection of 30 Irish whiskey's, premium Scotch, and other fine liquors. I was there for lunch and planning to sink my teeth into one of their legendary Kobe beef burgers, or perhaps one of the deli sandwiches.....until the waitress mentioned that they were also serving Lobster Mac & Cheese. Wow, hold everything......this place advertises fresh Maine lobster dinners a couple of nights a week, and so that means fresh lobster meat is used in the Mac & Cheese recipe!!! The Mac & Cheese casserole was very hot from the oven and it contained penne pasta covered with a creamy three-cheese sauce and big chunks of fresh lobster meat. The whole thing was baked and then garnished with diced tomatoes and peppers. *insert drooling here* I know that JJ's prides themselves on their authentic Irish cuisine, but this Lobster Mac & Cheese was spectacular! A nice spot to enjoy lunch, or a few brews after work. JJ's is a relaxing spot with a fun atmosphere, and well worth a visit. They have live music a couple of nights a week, so it would be a great spot to unwind after all of the craziness along 7th Avenue.
(4)
Arthur W.
You need to stop by and visit James Joyce for one of there 50 beers they have on tap. My wife and I were one of the first of many to complete the 50 beer challenge. If beer is not your thing, try an Irish breakfast shot....Amazing. We love going for the atmosphere.All the staff is pleasant and the bar patrons too.
(5)
Angela B.
I had the chicken Caesar wrap which was good...the kettle chips though we're FANTASTIC! I ha a Wild Pineapple cider (which is from Colorado)...always nice to find home brews have made it across the country. My father-in-law had the Shepherd's pie and was quite happy. My husband ate every last bit of the Banger Sandwich.
(4)
Jason B.
Had a great burger. Very tasty and lots of food. Had enough for the next day. I got the burger with blue cheese crumbles incorporated. Didn't imbibe but my cousin had an old fashioned that was made pretty well.
(4)
Vinny T.
This place started off in Ybor City on 7th Avenue as a hidden gem of an Irish Pub at the top of some very steep stairs. While I miss the original location, today's James Joyce is a wonderful upgrade and great addition to Ybor City's mix of businesses. The size of the bar and seating area accommodate a good crowd and having a few outside tables gives you a nice place along the Street Car route to enjoy the sounds of Ybor. The food is really good I've enjoyed the burger on a couple of occasions and nobody I have been with has ever not enjoyed their meal. They also do a $9.99 lobster night on Monday's which I have enjoyed a few times now. Service is always friendly and the place has some pub games to entertain groups as well.
(4)
Ameesh P.
Recently got to check this place out on a recent night out and boy was I impressed. I didn't even know this place existed since it moved, and it's actually a great location off the main drag in Ybor. They have a plentiful selection of beers on drafts and even liquor, which is my preference. The crowd and employees all seemed pretty lively on the Saturday night I was there and it was a great place to hang out with friends for an evening. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Brian S.
I was there as a party guest, for the 1st time last night. This restaurant is 3 years old (as of 2014) after relocation from a few blocks away to accommodate ADA requirements. This is a far cry from the relatively low quality taco shop that was there 3 years ago; a TOTAL RENOVATION is noteworthy. Named after the early 20th century Irish author and poet, this place has a wide variety of beers to suit all tastes. A small kitchen produces excellent foods, and I'M not easily impressed. Ingredients are original and on par with those of Wolfgang Puck. Many of the dishes lean away from traditional Irish, but our table of 3 found all to be excellently prepared. Service is friendly and attentive.
(5)
Joe R.
NIce little bar, had a great guitar player, playing covers and some Irish jigs. Had the Bangers and Mash dinner, good flavor, not amazing.
(4)
Mary M.
We've been here a couple of times and has not disappoint us. The atmosphere is great! They have over 50 types of beer to choose from, and the food is awesome. The prices are reasonable too.
(4)
Chris B.
Very impressive beer lineup and it's nice and cozy inside. Liquor prices are pretty fair, but $7 for a Cigar City Jai-Alai? Ouch! The reason I dropped a couple stars (other than the overpriced CC beer), was the server was incredibly obnoxious. It was a sales pitch everytime she came over, and her language was surprising for someone who should probably be a little nice to the customers (she asked if I wanted a drink like the other mother f'ers.......she was referring to my friends). Anyway, she came up pushing shots ( said if we bought a round her manager would give us a free one) several times. The bathrooms could probably use an upgrade as well.
We arrived and promptly sat. I love the decor. We have been here many times for a beer (great selection) but never ate dinner. We had a CL deal and decided to try it out. We had the bistro chips to start with. They weren't bad, could have used melted cheese instead of big chunks of blue cheese. I ordered a beer, I love there selection!!! Dinner I ordered the Jameson bigger. The only good thing about this burger was the bbg sauce. The burger patty was bad, it tasted off and burnt. It was cooked medium like I ordered but just wasn't good. The Mac and cheese with lobster was the other dish that was ordered in this setting. Everyone was commuting on it and how it looked so good. I don't eat seafood so I can't really comment on it. Overall next time I go I will order something else and hope it is better.
(2)
Isabelle W.
The service was great! Had TWO servers and they were very attentive. Had the shepherd's pie and it was delicious!
(4)
Thomas C.
Didn't eat, but had several beers. They have an absolutely magnificent tap set up - 50 different beers, and the range of great craft brews is just perfect. Nice ambiance, nice people. Loved being here. Bit off the beaten path, and better for it.
(5)
Glenn S.
Amazing Guinness Beef Stew. So rich and hearty. Great selection on tap to meet the needs of everyone regardless of beer tastes. Must be why they have Shock Top Seasonal.
(5)
Emily A.
Love the pub, the atmosphere, food and especially the staff. Although the "dramatic review readings" suck. I've only been here for 20 minutes and that's just 20 agonizing minutes I'll never get back. Thanks. I'd rather suffer through karaoke night.
(5)
Robert M.
Great wings, we did the Jameson BBQ and Medium sauces mixed together. Also great beer selection!
(4)
Jason P.
This place blows.. Crazy blonde hideous looking bartender with an even worse looking republican elephant tattoo will call you a Nazi and have you thrown out if you fall into her trap and talk politics. Like I said she will set the trap with her gross tattoo and then if u say anything contrary to her warped opinion she screams"THIS GUYS A NAZI F#:K GET HIM OUT" Thought she was joking until a begrudging Owner asked me to please not make a scene and leave.. I could tell he was embarrassed by his bartenders ridiculous actions because he offered to buy me a drink if I came back.. I told him "not on your life"I would have fired that girl on the spot if it were my place... But I have the sneaking suspicion the owner has "vested interests" other than money.. Anyway have been here several times before and I must say that I really have liked the place. They do have awesome food, usually great service and great drinks and specials.. But this one horrible experience deserves the 1 star review. Hope your bartender wasn't lying when she said " I am just stopping off in Tampa on my way to Washington DC to do politics stuff" Ah the future of America looks bright with the right breed of young people getting involved with "politics stuff"
(1)
Manida C.
Fun place and friend staff. There were shot specials and decent prices drinks. Didn't try the food but a good place a drink before a lightening game.
(5)
Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because the beer selection rocks. --- --- --- What in the world happened to Alaskan Tacos? James Joyce came in and completely disassembled its remnants. I'd imagine that they regularly hear gasps from customers walking in for the first time since the changeover. Every time I walk in now, I think about Ron Burgundy and rich mahogany. I always tell people that Ybor has something for absolutely everybody, and JJ adds another beer bar to the neighborhood, that goes along with New World Brewery. 50 taps aint to shabby! As for the food, I had the Dubliner and it was typical bar food with below average service. I hope JJ can improve on this, because I really dig this place and would love to eat there more often.
(4)
Katy S.
I like James Joyce. A lot. You know what I am seriously a fan of? Bars with board games. Even if I'm not playing the board games, I like the option. It makes it feel like you are just hanging out in an expensive living room. Anyway, the food here is legit. I ordered some wings and Irish Fries (AKA the most unhealthy fries ever) and washed it all down with a Snakebite. The food was FANTASTIC and they have a wide array of beers (including a 50 beer challenge). This place may soon become my favorite bar in Ybor.
(4)
Dillon K.
I totally dig this place! I live in ybor and come here at least once a week or so. It's a great place to start your evening before heading out to 7th. Good food, great beer and a couple of cute bartenders........ What more could you want. My only complaint, if any, is the music. That should change as they now have a touch tunes box.
(5)
Claire K.
As authentic as it can be....James Joyce is awesome & has the true pub feel from my motherland (Ireland...not Target, my other motherland). The beer selection is one to gawk at and perhaps join the 50 beer challenge? JJ has an amazing pub grub menu, with some fancy sheppard's pie and steaks to boot. The Line Up: Boneless Wings (Jameson Honey BBQ & Garlic Parm) Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (Fried...there is no other way to go. Seriously) BBQ Bacon Burger The Verdict: GUILTILY DELICIOUS. And plentiful. The service was spectacular! We had one main server (#0026) and about 4 other servers came by semi regularly to check on us, our food, etc. It was like VIP treatment. Server 0026...a joy!
This full service bar has drink specials all week long! A great variety of Whiskeys available, and a large selection of beers on tap. The menu here is surprisingly impressive, their burgers are amongst some of the best, and they even serve whole lobsters. Definitely a place to visit during St. Patty's or during a soccer match.
(4)
Christopher S.
50 taps = 4 Stars! I went for mid-week lunch here and just gazed at the taps for a while before I sat down. I came out of my daze, perused the menu, and decided on a Galway Black N Bleu Burger! My partner-in-crime chose the Bangers N' Mash. Good thing 'cause I was dying to try the Guinness gravy. It was fairly decent but I've had better. The banger was good but not great. My burger was totally off the hook! The fries had that boradwalk quality to them and with the Malt vinegar, I was transported to the Mid Atlantic "non-beach" boardwalk! ;-P When I saw the Tap Challenge, I thought I might indulge...for a second...then I came to my senses! I will state for the record that if you want to come to an Irish Pub, come down to Flanagan's in Dunedin!
(4)
Rachel H.
I meet with a group regularly here to play nerdy battle games and it fits the bill every time. Any place that has almost 50 beers on tap fits my bill. That sounded unintentionally dirty and I'm sorry. The wait staff is excellent and they let you try beers you aren't sure about, and they've usually got a special beer on tap for cheap. It changes so sometimes you might get Guinness and another day it might be a smaller craft brew, I guess it depends on what they need to get rid of, but it's a good deal and they have some great beers on tap every time I've been. If you are a whiskey lover, they pride themselves on their selection, but I am not so I didn't bother to get more info. If you don't bring your own games (I mean really, what kind of person doesn't have Risk loaded into their briefcase) there are plenty in the bar to choose from. They've taken the old Mema's and turned it into something completely unrecognizable (which is fine with me, I was the 1% of Tampa that didn't care for the crusty taco place). It looks great and even though it is probably three times the size of an English Pub, it has the character of one. You'd never guess it was new-ish. The food is hard to judge, I did get the fries and they were good but it's hard to mess that up. Judging by looks, all of my friends food looks awesome (lobster one night, crab legs another, smothered fries, all got good remarks). A fun place in Ybor City to come with a group or just to hang out at the bar.
(4)
The Real D.
Came to here Andrew Ricker play and not only was the food amazing, I suggest the Ruben egg rolls amazing!!!!! The live band they had was Andrew Ricker, he definitely sets the chill vibe. His style is perfect for this pub. I'm definitely coming back every Sunday to eat Ruben egg rolls and listen to Andrew Ricker play
(5)
Reesie R.
Listen, for a joint in Ybor, you can't beat the lobster nights. Unfortunately, they seem to overcook the lobster but it's FL. You can't expect them to be amazing like they are in the Northeast. However, just glad I can get some decent and affordable Maine lobster in Tampa.
(3)
Michelle M.
If you are looking for a great bar in Ybor with a fantastic selection of beer The James Joyce Irish Pub is the place for you. The bar has a cozy, authentic Irish Pub feel with it's dark wood and brick walls, hard wood floors, and fireplaces. I like how James Joyce is a block off of the main Ybor strip. It's close enough to the action yet it's not in the middle of all of the nighttime craziness. The table behind us was playing Jenga with this huge wooden Jenga set so we had fun cheering them on throughout the night. We came here for the beer, but we will be back for the burgers!!! I noticed James Joyce has weekly menu specials such as lobster Mondays, $4 pints Tuesdays, all-you-can-eat snowcrab Wednesdays, all-you-can-eat Prime Rib Thursdays, and Taco Saturday.
(4)
Rachel G.
I love this place! The food is an added bonus, and it's amazing. The bartenders are attentive the moment you come in and all willing to serve and help you.
(5)
Amanda M.
This place was amazing. The food was on point. My friend ordered the fish n chips and I the Dublin. Sooo great !! Definitely a place to try !!
(4)
Jason H.
I found it interesting that another reviewer pointed out the lack of sauce on the Jameson BBQ Burger because I ran into the same problem. The whole selling point of the burger, to me, was this unique sauce and there was barely any on it. Strange. Still flavorful, though. Fantastic beer selection as noted. Pretty sure that everyone can find something to drink at the James Joyce. Love being able to sample!
(4)
Diana M.
This is such a fun little pub in Ybor!! We were here for Saint Patrick's Day weekend so this place was a much stop location. They really went all out for the big weekend. Lots of live music and they used part of their parking lot for an outdoor bar area. The interior has a great feel to it and I could see myself spending a lot of time here if I lived in the area!!
(5)
Jeremy K.
To give The James Joyce a low score just feels wrong. Unfortunately, it also feels so right - The James Joyce has changed hands and no longer offers Lobster Monday through Wednesday - instead moving to a Monday night only offering. This comes with the proviso that you must purchase two drinks PER LOBSTER. This news came after we had purchased a gift certificate to use specifically on the lobster dinners that we had come to enjoy on a regular basis. Sadly, after we use the gift certificate (if that's even still possible) we probably won't come back. Sorry JJ - our desire for irish seafood is probably better served elsewhere.
(2)
Mike S.
Fine array of draft, import & domestic, at Ybor prices. Since it was Monday, i tried tried the $10 lobster special...smalll and served only with melted butter. So finished off with a half sandwich and cup of onion soup.. Sandwich was just OK, soup was wonderful. Served quickly and efficiently at the bar. Need to return to try some Irish specialties such as bangers & mash.
(3)
David G.
Best burgers I have had in Tampa since I moved here from Houston, TX a few months ago. I'm a bit of a burger snob so I was pleased with the quality of their brioche bun and generous medium cooked burger. Try the Nom Nom as the the fresh Jalepenos remind me of home. Amazing beer selection of both local craft brews and just about every beer you can think of from Ireland. They even have Kilkenny ale on draft and Magners cider. A big surprise was they had St. Arnold's Lawn Mower from my favorite brewery in Houston. Best place in Ybor City to have a few pints with friends. The only time they are open for lunch is on Fridays so plan ahead or stop by for happy hour after work.
(5)
Kenny D.
Had the shepard's pie. Pretty good. Had the Kill Kenny Irish Creme Ale. It didn't kill me, which is a plus. The waiter, albeit a scary biker looking dude, was very nice!
(4)
Christopher C.
Good environment Lots of choices for beer and whiskey/ scotch. Service was a little slow, but not slow enough to get mad about.
(3)
Ryan M.
Couldn't complain. I enjoy it here, the beer selection is good and the people are kind and conversational.
(4)
Katie K.
Awesome sandwiches and awesome French onion soup. Decent service and nice outdoor seating. But... No Irish coffees!!! What Irish pub has no Irish coffee
(4)
Gerald S.
Impressive & picturesque pub. A must to visit with many beer options and perfect pour of Guiness. They have very interesting specials as well. Strongly suggest a visit.
(4)
Nancy B.
Went with seven friends for the Monday lobster special. Server was very pleasant and efficient overall. In order to get the $12.99 lobster special you need to buy either an appetizer or two drinks. Since one member of our party was familiar with the place, he had told us of this requirement beforehand so I was fine with this. For $12.99 you get one lobster, a lemon, and melted butter. Nothing else. No sides. We were all a little disappointed by this so we ordered small side salads for a couple of dollars more. The problem was the lobster. It was bad. The tail meat was mushy and the claw was brownish and nasty tasting. My husband and I spend our summers at the Jersey shore and have Maine lobster at least once a week, sometimes at restaurants and sometimes cooking them at home. Believe me when I tell you that the lobsters at James Joyce are terrible. In defense of the restaurant, I admit we did not tell the server or give them a chance to rectify the situation as we didn't want to embarrass our host. So shame on me for that. Atmosphere is great and tons of draft beer. I will return but never get the seafood. Burgers looked good. Stick to bar food in a bar!
(1)
Jennifer P.
My experiences at James Joyce have been very mixed, with some elements that were good, while others were completely disastrous. Unfortunately, the bad outweighed the good immensely. I do not plan on returning to this establishment, and I have recommended to friends and acquaintances to avoid if possible. The bad: 1. We went for the all you can eat crawfish night recently and the crawfish was simply inedible. The meat was rubbery and chewy. It was very clear that the crawfish was old. Some of the crawfish was smashed, others were squishy, and many, when opened, were brown. The potatoes and sausage that accompanied the crawfish were equally bad. Again they were obviously old, either sitting out, or cooked hours before in the day or the day before and microwaved to re-heat. I informed the server, who brought out a new batch of crawfish (I was with two other friends who also ordered crawfish and their dishes were just as bad). There was no improvement in this batch over the last three we sampled. 2. After the crawfish ordeal, we asked to speak with the manager. No one at the table was angry or upset, simply disappointed, and wanted a chance to order something new off the menu. The server returned and said that the manager was not in the office. When we asked to speak with the person who was in charge, she said that there was none. My friend at the table worked in restaurants for over 10 years and he informed us that this was highly unusual and strange that this would be the case. However, our server did oblige with our request and we were able to order something else without being charged for our crawfish. 3. On a different night I ordered the lobster mac and cheese. The only good thing about this dish is the huge piece of lobster on top of it. Simply put, this dish sucked. Don't order it. Huge waste of money. 4. The same night I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, I also experienced incredibly poor service. The restaurant was 3/4 empty; however, it took our server 20 minutes to return our checks to us. I saw her dawdling around the bar, chatting with the bartender and other patrons with our checks waving in her hand. I tried to get her attention numerous times, but was unsuccessful. The good: 1. Beer selection. Great beer, expensive prices. But servers/bartender are knowledgeable and helpful 2. My friends appeared to enjoy their burgers very much. One ordered the Jameson burger, the other ordered the nom-nom burger. I had a taste and thought they were good as well. 3. They have some great loaded nachos. 4. Servers, while lacking in execution, were always friendly.
(1)
Lisa M.
I really like this place.....good food, cool atmosphere along with good drinks and a great beer selection!
(4)
Matthew M.
Our absolute fave bar in the region. Great food. Tons of beers on tap. Food consistently good for bar fare and great servers and ownership. We go pretty much every weekend.
(5)
Windy C.
Not only is the bar and beer selection great, but the atmosphere and service were Irish-worthy. Loved the fireplace. Loved the books available for reading. Loved the attention my server(s) slathered on my wife and me. Loved the music. Noise level did not require speaking loud. Loved the food though not for its beauty or sophistication, just good satisfying hearty fare. This is a place I could spend hours in and have no need or desire to go elsewhere. Like being in love, new love.
(4)
Tara S.
My roommate had a groupon so we decided to go for drinks yesterday. What a waste. We sat down at the bar and waited about 15 minutes for a bartender to acknowledge our existence. The bar wasn't full or busy so there was no excuse for this. I ordered a beer and the pour was all head. The bartender actually poured into a glass and into a pitcher so there could be a full beer somewhere in there. I'm sorry, after waiting 15 mins to take my order, I am not going to wait another 10 for a beer to settle down. She did not even take my roommate's order. So 20 mins, and no booze, we walked out. The funny part was that the 2 bartenders was complaining about how terrible their tips were. With service like that they're lucky they even got tips.
(1)
Angela K.
Disclaimer: James Joyce has become my version of Cheers...so, fair warning that I am a little biased when it comes to this review. I've been a patron of James Joyce since it was at it's original location (for several years at least). The new location is much more modern, but still keeps the classic "Irish pub" feel. I'll start with the bathrooms (since we all know that pub restrooms can be scary sometimes). The restroom is always clean and even has an adorable chair shaped like a pink high heeled shoe. The drinks: there are always drink specials going on $3, 4 or 5 shots & $5 car bombs. They have food specials all week, free chocolate covered strawberries for the ladies on Fridays and live music (usually) on Friday and Sat nights. Many of us "regulars" have become friends with the staff and the owners (Ryan & Janice). There is always a "family feel" when we are there. They listen to the opinions of their customers and are genuinely good people. There's a nice outdoor seating area out front & plenty of seating inside whether you want to sit at the bar, a table or even on the cushy couch by the giant Jenga table (I've even passed out on the couch before...but that's a story for another day). As for food, the kitchen is open pretty late...usually at least midnight-1am on the weekends. I've only had the bistro chips and Irish fries. Both were fresh & delish. James Joyce is always a good time!
(5)
Lauren B.
Amazing burgers and great drink specials. I'd go back.
(4)
Annemarie F.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE IS AWFUL! I worked here for a few months and did not clock it ONCE! They stole money and screwed over many people (hence they have a very high turn-over)! The beer is the only good thing about this place! The management is terrible and SAWED through a bicycle for locking it up to their fence while eating at THEIR ESTABLISHMENT! DO NOT EAT HERE!
(1)
Blake T.
I have been to this place three times, and each time was a bad experience. There is an arrogant attitude espoused by most of the wait staff and bartenders, and this completely ruins the James Joyce experience. I think that the staff needs a serious attitude adjustment especially if they want to appease tourists and rectify many of the negative reviews here on Yelp. My advice to anyone is to continue west down 7th or 8th and visit other establishments.
(1)
Leslie F.
Technically open since 1977 but as a complete hole in the wall, these guys persevered with the famous author's name giving them Irish superpowers. Just recently, they set up shop at a new location on 8th Ave. in the historic Ybor City. A small dark dining hall with charm, this bar is a recent favorite of mine. Fireplaces and bookshelves add some flair while their 50 beers on tap provide an endless opportunity for good tastes and good times. Live Music is no stranger to this late night spot either...weekends at James Joyce mean loud instrumental talent bursting in your ears. The cuisine is delicious. Their Bangers N Mash...the best I've ever had. No, I am not exaggerating. Their burgers? Large and in charge, cooked flawlessly to order and snuggled up inside of a soft pretzel bun. Oh, I must mention they have $10 Maine lobster Mondays and All you can eat crawfish boil Wednesdays. These peeps, well, they know indulgence. Service is always better than average, especially considering the tight lines at the bar and swarming the tables. Friendly and attentive, I've never had an issue. JJ is quite possibly my favorite Irish pub in all of Tampa.
(5)
Moki C.
They have a LOT of beer and whisky. I mean a LOT. People are friendly. And after $2 vodka drinks on a Saturday afternoon in Ybor City, why wouldn't they be? I had my favorite summer beer....blanche de bruxelles...pronounced Blanche de Brussels, as the bartender corrected me numerous times, until I said it correctly. The music went back and forth between Flogging Molly and traditional Irish...I kinda love this. The only thing missing was a ginger with a pot of gold. I'd like to go back at night for some live music.
(4)
Katelyn B.
True Irish American bar. I love this place! I'm not a fan of going into ybor but I will for this bar. I love the Irish feel-- with the exception of the corny guy dressed as a 6 foot tall leprechaun (cheesy)! The food is authentic and delicious. The servers are on the ball...fast and efficient. The prices are very high which takes away a star. Beers are expensive! But at least the selection is wide! Tons to choose from.
(4)
Jennie W.
My Cesar is nice an freshly tossed with fresh croutons, and grilled chicken was super tasty. I like this joint. They have plenty if beers to choose from if your a beer drinker. I'll have to check out more from the menu next time!
(3)
Mike H.
Alright... so I gave 5 stars to another pub in Tampa already.. and deservedly so. The James Joyce was my first stop in Tampa this visit and it was an unexpectedly special evening. We walked in and smelled seafood, looked around, and discovered it was Lobster night. $9.99 per lobster. I had two. And most certainly a sufficient supply of Guinness to wash these ocean bugs down. What an evening. Every Monday night is lobster night there. And they have amazing deals all week. Go there. Tell them I sent you. You won't get a deal but they might say.. "Oh yeah... that guy.. he has a Guinness harp tattoo on his arm... yeah, we think he has a bit of a problem. Did he tell you to say he sent you? SECURITY!!!".
(5)
Sean B.
Great atmosphere. Drinks were good service was good at the bar. The food wasn't spectacular but was better than average bar food.
(4)
Daniel B.
Great place a little off the main drag in Ybor and well worth the walk. The bar is great and has a nice beer selection - they know how to pour a proper pint. The food is a mixed bag. Stick with classic pub grub and you cannot go wrong. Try something a little unusual or upscale and our results may vary. It is best to go here on an off-night and enjoy how cozy and comfortable it is. On a heavy night you may have to wait longer then is reasonable for service. I will say that this place is one of the reasons I lived or worked closer to this part of town because I would like to come here more often.
(4)
Elbio M.
Went for lunch on a Sunday with my family and there was a baby roach in my wife's water. The waitress was mortified, but just brought us a replacement water. No apology or other offer to help make it right. That seemed to set the tone because I then had the lobster Mac n cheese and the lobster was overcooked and on the verge of spoiling. I ate around the lobster as much as I could and decided I would never eat here again. I feel lucky I didn't get food poisoning to be honest. I did give it two stars though because their beer selection was fantastic. Go here for beer and avoid the food, unless you want to put your immune system to the test!
(2)
Brent L.
Really awesome pub. Excellent selection of beers on tap, awesome food, and overall great experience. A bunch of friends and myself have become regulars here, and we all have zero complaints! Definitely worth a visit!
(5)
Greg F.
Ok, so I finally tried some of the food in this place rather than just sitting a the bar downing amazing draughts. We went on a Friday night and walked right in and grabbed a table. As awesome as this place is, I was surprised. I got the shepherd's pie and thought it was a little safe, but still tasty. My mom got the The Dubliner sandwich and absolutely loved it. I tried it and I must say I agree with her. My dad got the Guinness Beef Stew and was also very impressed. While the service can be a little slow, everyone is very personable and all in all do a decent job. They specials on most nights including my favorite, $4 for any of their 50 draughts on Tuesday night, plus $9.99 lobster on Mondays and all you can eat stone crab on Wednesdays. Another must see if you are in the area.
(4)
Kelly P.
I'm not really sure how to review this place. I like the atmosphere and the large beer menu. They have a lot of tables and the environment is cool and laid back. I think I just miss the old James Joyce. The new James Joyce is no longer a dive bar. It is a little more sophisticated and quieter. I would go again and recommend it to friends. Be careful if you ask the server for a recommendation. She offered me an $8 beer. In the end this place is not typical Ybor. It is a refreshing off the beaten path little spot. Have fun!
(3)
Brandon E.
On a whim, my coworker and I decided to try the new James Joyce Irish Pub. They have their own parking lot. The spots are a little small but heck, their own parking area in Ybor City?! The restaurant met my expectations for an Irish pub and had a healthy lunch rush. There must 50 beers on tap! We both ordered a burger, hand pressed and temped to perfection with hand cut fries. De-lish! Service was friendly and fast. A little slow on the refills but overall a great dining option with lunch and dinner specials to boot!
(4)
Luis P.
Nice bar i like the option that you can drink in the open area
(5)
Donald H.
Very good burgers!!!! menu selcetions looked intersting but our aim was burgers. had fun....good crowd...! waitstaff was attentive & informative. I will be back...!
(4)
Daniel D.
The James Joyce offers a large selection of draft beers, from the typical Guiness to the harder to find microbrews. They ranged anywhere from $6-10 a pint. I ordered the Jameson burger with fries and it was decent, but not spectacular. It was cooked a bit unevenly and could've used more sauce. They only had one server working tables, but the service was only slightly delayed and he provided us with excellent service.
(3)
Johnny C.
I'm being kind at 2 stars because the gentleman that first greeted us was pleasant. The only time I could see myself back at the new location is if someone else was paying and I was on a major bender. Service was appallingly slow (not all the young lady's fault as she was the only one serving the tables), the food was a dismal reward for such a long wait and it's not often I've returned a drink but it felt I was back in Ireland and the vodka was poured from an optic
(2)
Sean C.
Absolutely love the new Joyce! It is one of a kind in Ybor City, 50 taps/full liquor with great food. I had the Nom Nom burger which was by far the best burger I had in Tampa. The service was great, they don't use to have wait staff at the old Joyce but now they do and Courtney was a great server. Went there for Friday for Diggler- the little person's fundraiser and had a great time. Pittbull Toddler was playing and I won a Bud portable grill!!
(5)
Susan M.
Having been a patron of the old James Joyce I find it hard to reconcile the new one with the same bar. I think they are two totally different beasts. To me the new James Joyce is more of a restaurant that also serves drinks (and has quite an extensive bar). The food we have tried here has been excellent, I had the Shepherd's Pie and my husband had the Fish and Chips. The Shepherd's Pie was average but the Fish and Chips was excellent, the fish was perfectly crisp and flaky. Yum! If you had never been to the old James Joyce I think you would like this place very much. It's a very nice gastro pub now, with a nice decor and classy vibe. I like the food and this is a welcome addition to Ybor but I do miss the floor shaking upstairs in the old location.....
(3)
Brett B.
awesome little spot for lunch. The burgers are very good. Would love to go back at night for a chance to try all their different kinds of beer. One day I will attempt the 50 beers in 30 days. Highly Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Monika P.
other than the atmospheres being slightly appealing, it doesn't mask the terrible service, impolite "bouncers" and rude owner. sure they smile to your face but once you are gone, the things i hear them say are downright uncalled for. there are a dozen better places to spend your time and hard earned money in ybor city than this establishment. there are other bars where you can really be appreciated. not to mention they act before they think and ive seen them put sour tastes into many a mouths. for such a classy look, its definitely a fake feel. as an ybor native i can honestly say to everyone, please stay away. if not right now, one day you will thank me.
(2)
Mary S.
I recently went to James Joyce, had a great time. The decor was really done well it made me feel I was in a true Irish bar. The beer was good, the food was delicious just a little greasy. I ordered a sampler plate. The nachos were awesome. Really good bar food. The large jenga set in front of the bar is fun to play. The only recommendations I would make is there needs to be a little more flow in the front of the restaurant. The cleanliness of the glasses could use some work. Overall I had a great time and would go back again. I hear they sometimes have a special were you can get a maine lobster for $10.00 on Mondays. Bartenders and staff very friendly.
(3)
Tristan W.
Wife and I went on a Friday night for some drinks dinner. We got there around 8 PM and the place was pretty busy. Luckily we were able to grab a couple seats at the bar. The bar tenders were very friendly and helpful. The beer selection was great (though a bit pricey), and the food was top notch. Definitely some of the best wings I have had in a while. Later a live band showed up and played some Irish tunes which got the whole place going. We loved it!
(5)
John F.
No longer open on Sundays as a number of us found out on Oct 11th :(
(1)
Jeff S.
Place is awesome. Love the $9.99 whole lobster special mon-wed!
(5)
Nikolai S.
Good place in Ybor. Pretty quiet comparing to other bars there. Have a great selection of Irish and UK beers on tap.
(4)
Dr. Laura U.
I've been here before and liked it.The service was inconsistent, with one waitress being on top of things, and the other a twit. Their online menu showed dinner sized salads, and not one was on the menu in the bar. That is a problem. They need to get it together. I ended up with a burger that was over cooked and lame fries, so not worth the money or calories. Stick to drinks there.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Will J.
Interesting Saturday night scene. D.j. spinning not your typical Irish bar music. Solid menu. Tasty burger. Suggest trying the Buffalo chicken mac and cheese. Nestled just of the beaten path of Ybor City. And they have an extensive beer selection on tap
(4)Mark P.
So they claim to have the best burger...and I have to say, it wasn't too shabby. Definitely better than many burger joints in the area. It was pretty hearty too. I didn't end up finishing the whole burger and fries, which were of the thicker variety. The All American burger with cheese tallied up to around $14 with tax and tip. The service is a little cold, you know where the server just seems to be going through the motions and doesn't want to be there. That's when no one was there. The other time I went when it was busy, I was ignored so I just walked out. The decor is nicer than most Ybor bars and they played great music. So it seems to be a fun hangout spot. Nice patio too.
(3)Liz M.
This is a great bar! There is always something going on! The crowd is very friendly and the bar tenders are great! I've gotten the James Joyce burger a couple of times... And it is truly the best burger in the bay. I well be coming back for this many more times. The on tap beers are a great and unique variety! I like to try new beers and they always have suggestions!
(5)Wesley B.
I love the whole feel of Irish bars so I end up here almost every time I go to Ybor Town. It always seems to start or end here at James Joyce. Its a nice medium sized bar with an great beer selection. Love the pinaaple cider (even though they ran out the last time). Like all bars the atmopshere can get crazy on weekends. Doesn't get too crazy though, as the most you'll see is a leprechaun giving a lap dance to two women in the middle of the bar. Seriously, it's pretty mellow and laid back for the most part. Because it's a block off 8th street, it doesn't get as packed as some other bars get so its pretty easy to walk around. Overall, James Joyce is a pretty chill bar with a killer draft beer selection. One of my favorite spots to go to in the area.
(3)Angela N.
The bartenders and servers are great at James Joyce and so is the food. We visited this place at least four times a month and almost every time we come to Ybor. The negatives are the horrible management who has no problem being completely disrespectful and disgusting to people on their Facebook page. There was an incident where this happened in the past over a bicycle and we didn't pay much attention to it. After losing a local competition on Sunday, Ryan (the owner) was posting on the FB page was out of control as they proceeded to call children mongoloids, people rednecks, mother f**ckers, c*ck suckers, and hicks. He told a guy (the respective redneck) that he among other things he would "...headbutt your f'ing teeth out of the back your f'ing skull mother f'er and butt f*ck your mother..." After reading these things, I posted the following comment on their page: "We go to James Joyce often, but if we were to judge your place by the way you are representing your company on this post, we would never consider going there at all. So unprofessional. I hope this post doesn't turn people off as you have a great establishment and usually a welcoming atmosphere." I thought that was a respectful comment. To which I was told: to go f$ck myself, piss off, eat sh*t, "hope you get ebola and your kids catch cat aids", that I was a self righteous tw*t, a f*cking c#nt, and that I was a self righteous f'ing c$nt burger. He also said to "Post this on yelp. Screen freeze it. and while you are at it, f*ck yelp those extortionist f#ckheads that extort small businesses." All comments were saved and are posted here as of this posting. Whether yelp allows them to stay is yet to be seen as they are extremely vulgar. On Monday they claimed that their page was hacked, they shut down their reviews on FB, and deleted and blocked anyone who disagreed with them. There's a pattern of bad owner behavior here and it's obvious the page wasn't hacked. If it was, why didn't the employees who were commenting on the post mention it?
(1)Diane H.
I this bar/restaurant. The staff is friendly and fast, the food is always good ( you absolutely have to try the Siracha burger) and the price is right. There is a wonderfully large selection of beers, live music most nights, in the atmosphere of a good old-fashioned pub. After he lackluster dinner earlier this evening, my brother ordered breakfast at 10 PM and it was spot on! Apparently, breakfast is a new thing for James Joyce and they are rocking it!
(5)Kelly A.
Food is good but the Owner of this place has no class! Dont try to park your bike here they will destroy it. Also, dont share any sort of opinion about how the owner treats people. You will be banned from the place. There are too many places to go to in Ybor, my suggestion is take your money to the Bad Monkey instead.
(1)Samantha N.
I absolutely love this bar/restaurant. They have a huge selection of beers and the food is outstanding, especially their award winning Jameson and Siracha Burger. They added new dishes to their menu like the almond crusted brie cheese, and they also have the Late Night Breakfast with chicken and waffles. YUM! The atmosphere there is laid back and low key. They have live music on most nights and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Their bartenders Chris and Nick are very knowledgable and entertaining. I love those guys. If you're looking for a fun place to eat and drink, this is the place for you. Probably the best bar in Tampa Bay.
(5)rodney o.
We really liked the scotch egg appetizer and the Sriracha burger. Our server Joey was fun and went beyond our expectations. Good beer selection. I would recommend this place.
(4)Fabian M.
I have been many times to James Joyce now and I love this bar. Depending on the day, it could be a laid back bar to enjoy one of their many beer choices on tap, or a nice place to hear live Irish music, or club-like DJ playing dance-able music, or just the place to come with a group of friends and play Giant size Jenga. I've tried their burgers and they're awesome! they won best burger in town and have many other awards and recognition on it. I also had the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni n Cheese and that thing was tasty! The service is very friendly and they have always done a great job, even when they are super packed!!
(4)Anna M.
I am a big fan of James Joyce. Located on the outskirts of the main strip of Ybor makes it even more appealing so you won't have to deal with the douchebaggery. There is a great beer selection here with a diverse food menu. We went last night for their crawfish boil. It was a great deal - one 1.5 pound basket for $7.99 or two baskets for $10.99! The basket includes potatoes, sausage, and corn-on-the-cob. Last night was my virgin experience, so the owner was generous enough to give me a tutorial on how to properly eat a crawfish! We also had the Buffalo Chicken Mac n' Cheese which was divine! Matt, our server, and Brett, the manager, were kind enough to keep on checking on my progress. I will definitely be back for more crawfish and for the great vibe!
(4)Kathy D.
This was my first time at this establishment and it felt so comfortable. No pressure, just a nice place to chill in good company. They have an enormous selection of draft beers on tap, something for everyone. The bartender was professional, but laid back and let us sample a few tastes of beer, so we could choose a new one we had never had and that we enjoyed the flavor of. A great place to hang out with friends or alone. The establishment just kinda draws you in and makes you feel comfortable and welcome. The only drawback was it could have more comfortable chairs. I didn't try the food this time, but I will nect time. What's a girl to do? We all need a home away from home!
(3)Malinda L.
Love going to James Joyce, they have changed a lot since their old location on 7th ave. The newer menu is awesome, enjoyed everything I have tried so far. Bartenders are always cool and they always seem to have something fun going on. Went there last weekend and they had a really good band as well. We always end up here at some point cause it's always a good time.
(5)Holly L.
Moved to Tampa 7 months ago and I've been looking for a great hamburger. This place is the place to go to if you're looking for an amazing juicy burger.
(5)Jill N.
Excellent pub. The Jameson BBQ Burger was to die for! My husband's Buffalo Chicken Sandwich was equally delicious. Our waiter, Joey, could not have been better. Brought me 3 beer samples to make sure I got the one I really like, Will return again and again.
(4)Darlene W.
Love the James Joyce pub, as I've reviewed before-great atmosphere, good music, varied events, friendly patrons and staff. Burgers are great, as is my sons favorite of fries with a side of Guinness gravy. Tonight we attended during a lightning play off game and they offered 12 free wings with the purchase of 2 alcoholic beverages-not a problem with their huge, I think 50 craft beers on tap. The wings were amazing, a great surprise bc I never heard of them having great wings. Will definitely order them again. Noticed that in subsequent play off games, that I didn't view there the promo changed from 12 to 10 and finally 8 wings! Just sayin...
(4)Cat G.
Great place in Ybor! Staff is great and so friendly! I have not tried their food but the selection of drinks is amazing. Their wild pineapple cider is incredible. I suggest sitting outside-they have heaters going when it is cold & you just might get to see someone drive over the trolly tracks and mess up their car. Apparently it happens every night. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Amy Z.
Went for a Guinness glass engraving event here that was advertised from 7-9. We got there at 7:45 - out of glasses. What??? They have a lot of beer taps, which I like. Food was OK, but overpriced. Service was just OK.
(2)Roberto T.
Where should I begin. The burger selection is amazing. They can accommodate for vegetarian or vegan choices. The beer selection is delicious plus the environment is safe. Ybor City needs more establishments like James Joyce. Bryan & Janice are the owners and the love customers. Do yourself a favor. Go to James Joyce!
(5)Meaghan H.
My review is for the bar only, we did not eat here. I really enjoyed my experience. There is a paid parking lot across the street, but if you make a couple loops around the block you can find free street parking pretty easily. Upon walking into the bar I was greeted with happy chatter from the patrons and laughter from the bartenders, always a good sign. It felt like walking into an authentic Irish pub; friendly, homey, and comfortable with dark wood and dim lighting. There was plenty of seating both in and outside, and there was a table close to the back where people were playing Jenga which I thought was cool. Drinks were mixed well and they had quite a large selection of beer, the bartenders were very friendly and jovial. They never made me feel like I had to wait or that they were inconvenienced by my order. The only negative part of my night there was the bathroom; it was a bit dirty and 2 of the stalls had run out of toilet paper. It's pretty awkward when you have to spot a stranger with some by throwing it over the top of the stall. Besides that uncomfortable encounter, my friends and I had a great time.
(4)Sandy B.
The staff here is awesome. I went with 3 friends who all happen to have August birthdays, so we took advantage of their Birthday freebie! The food was fantastic. The Scotch Eggs were delish as a starter and the Shepherd's Pie was almost as good as mine. My friends LOVED the Fish n Chips and be sure to ask for a side of gravy to drag their deliciously crispy fries thru! Yummy Gravyliciousness! The barkeep makes an awesome Kamikazi Shot, and the Bloody Mary was one of the best on my Best Bloody Mary EVER List!
(5)Darrin B.
I always stop here when I am at Ybor City, whether for a quick shot of Jameson's or a few cocktails. To me this is the Bar to visit in Ybor. I love that it is off the main road because that keeps the "local" atmosphere at the bar. The bar staff have always greeted me warmly and the service is prompt and they don't hover over you. I readily recommend this little bar... You will love it and make it a regular stop on your visits to Ybor.
(5)Mark R.
I feel like a three and a half star rating doesn't do this place justice. Every time I visit this place I have such a memorable experience. It is a great place to escape reality for the night with a large group and socialize with family or friends. I can't put my finger on it but in about the last two years, the quality of the food here has definitely improved significantly. I wasn't too crazy about the food here if you asked me three years ago. The burgers are a major highlight for me and the chicken tenders tossed in Jameson BBQ with Hot sauce are great. Come in here and have a pint of your favorite draft, maybe a shot (or a few), grab some great food, relax, and mingle. And of course, have a designated driver or request an Uber, if you've had one too many!
(5)Mark H.
Time for an update, and here's why. Recently, the owner posted a message on Facebook stating that he was about sick and tired of all this 'best burger in Tampa' talk, and in order to prove his burger is the best, he would be giving them away for free. Free burger? Sign me the fugg up. Surprisingly, there weren't many hoops to jump thru. Hit the provided link, put in your e-mail, print the e-mail and bring it into the bar. Only requirement was to buy 2 drinks. Easy. La Chica and I sit at the bar, I order a regular burger medium with cheddar and she ordered the Southwestern burger, medium as well. Nick, the bartender, puts in our order and then takes the time to help us select the right beers. There are 50 taps on the rail, so we sampled a bunch before deciding. This activity pretty much chewed up our wait time for the burgers; it was great! So Nick, thanks for that rail tour. About 12 minutes go by, and here they come. Like mountain tops over the horizon, I can see the burgers emerge from the kitchen. Not because I'm starving and I'm peering into the kitchen like a hawk, but because they're FREAKING MASSIVE. These burgers were way larger than I expected. One just doesn't realize that 10 oz. means business when it comes to burgers. So now we're thinking, "How in the HELL are we going to eat these?" We seriously should have split one. Shaking my head as if I'd made a terrible mistake, I accept the challenge. I cut the burger open to see how it's cooked, and to my surprise, it's not only medium, but it's medium throughout. Absolutely perfect. I licked my left index finger because it touched the hot beefy patty, and it was then that I realized this thing was not only huge and cooked to perfection, but it was FLAAAAAAAAMMMMMMEEEEE GRILLED. Read my reviews, people. This is kind of a big deal for me. I took one bite, and I was hooked. This cow might not have been raised on Waters Ave. like they are over at Bern's, but we just might have a new champion burger in town regardless. Dear James Joyce owners, you may have a legitimate claim to the burger throne, and I can only HOPE that plenty of people took advantage of this incredible offer. BRAVO!
(5)Gigi S.
Due to a free burger offering here, I had to head on in to try the burger. I've had many a treat at James Joyce since they were on 7th ave in Ybor above Green Iguana, but never a burger, so I sat down at the new location (old Mema's Tacos) to give this burger the time it deserved. I should have skipped all the delicious toppings, but ended picking some off. The huge, flame-flavored patty that was beautifully cooked to a bloody medium rare makes me salivate just writing about it! The offer was for a free burger with purchase of two drinks to prove that it was the best in the bay. Was it? Yeah, I can't believe it, it really was! i mentally compared to all local burgers in my mental bank of flavors, and I'm ready to pay full price for this burger as soon as I can get back there, for sure!
(5)Caitlin B.
They always have a large selection of shot specials and beers. The service is hit or miss, but usually a lot of fun.
(4)Bex D.
Came here for birthday dinner and got a free entree! Got the shepherds pie and it was hot, tasty, and plenty of food! Server was good but slow, pretty sure they are understaffed.
(4)Freddie E.
Great atmosphere and friendly staff are the corner stones of this pub. The food is nothing to sneeze at either fresh and tasty it pairs greatly with the wide array of after hours beverages.
(5)Alyssa H.
Another good visit to the James Joyce. Not as crazy busy on a Sunday. Good lunch only specials. I got soup and a half sandwich. The Ruben here is one of my favorite in Tampa. Great place to stop by for any visit to Ybor. If you enjoy beer they have a wide variety on tap....50 to be exact!
(4)Ken D.
I work close to here so I make it a point to try something different every time. Besides all the beers on tap and an amazing array of foods My personal favorite thing is 10 dollar two pound lobster on Mondays,Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Go have a few great beers then as many lobsters as you can eat! If you live in Tampa and don't take advantage of this,your just crazy! The staff is always nice and attentive! Truly a gem in Ybor City. I love it!
(5)Charles P.
The first dish they brought out was a disaster. Some kind of Buffalo chicken, cheese and macaroni concoction that had too much cheese, too much hot, and not enough flavor. Thankfully one of the managers was nearby (actually, the waitress may have brought him over) and he heard that I didn't like it. I told them it was okay, I didn't mind cause it was free anyway and it was my fault for ordering it (It did say five cheeses on the menu). On the third time he offered to bring me something different, I accepted and I'm glad I did. Jameson BBQ Burger = Delicious! Huge burger cooked just to your liking. You start eating it and the combination of flavors hits your palette with delight! The tastes of the bacon, BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese, and everything in between work so well together to make your taste buds so very happy. I know this sounds like a advertisement, but I had do it for them because they were so accommodating. I have to go again, for the very least - to thank the waitress for being so attentive. I felt like she was only taking care of me, even though she had everyone covered. So sorry I didn't get to hear her name. Can't wait to try some of the other delicious sounding dishes on the menu. I'd go again!
(4)Jason P.
It's definitely the best Irish pub in ybor city. The cocktails are reasonably priced. The staff are pretty on top of things. There is no smoking inside. The food is pretty damn good too. They play music and there are plenty of TV's.
(5)Aleema A.
I am a fan of this place! I love me an Irish Bar and it's right in Ybor City. Some friends and I decided to head down there for Sunday Funday b/c well, not not? I Immediately liked the feel of this place. There was plenty of places to sit, the atmosphere was very chill and comfortable. We had a couple of rounds (if you like cider and Harp, go with a Snakebite, it's my absolute favorite) and then decided to share the Irish Fries...hot diggety! I've never had Irish Fries before and I have to say, I was a huge fan! Next time I come back here, I definitely want to try it out at night and see what it's like.
(5)Randi H.
This bar/restaurant is super dirty. The drinks are overpriced and the food was awful.
(1)Steve E.
James Joyce Irish Pub is a terrific little drinking establishment found in the heart of Ybor City. James Joyce Irish Pub (or JJ for short) opened at the site of the former Alaskan Tacos stand in central Ybor City about 18 months ago, along 8th Avenue, and they've completely transformed the corner at 8th and Angel Oliva Senior Street (also known as N 18th Street). There's plenty of parking at their private lot next to the pub, as well as on-street parking right nearby, and even a paid City parking lot diagonally across the street. Outside the pub is a great patio area to sit and sip a pint while letting your dog curl up at your feet. Yup, another dog-friendly spot in Ybor! Inside, JJ's has the look at feel of a traditional neighborhood pub with a long wooden bar, dark lighting, a fireplace, and comfy seating all around. There's a great selection of beers, classic pub grub, sassy serving wenches, and happy chatter from every corner of the pub. JJ's advertises 50 draft beers on hand, and judging from the number of tap handles behind the bar I can certainly support that claim. The bar also serves up a selection of 30 Irish whiskey's, premium Scotch, and other fine liquors. I was there for lunch and planning to sink my teeth into one of their legendary Kobe beef burgers, or perhaps one of the deli sandwiches.....until the waitress mentioned that they were also serving Lobster Mac & Cheese. Wow, hold everything......this place advertises fresh Maine lobster dinners a couple of nights a week, and so that means fresh lobster meat is used in the Mac & Cheese recipe!!! The Mac & Cheese casserole was very hot from the oven and it contained penne pasta covered with a creamy three-cheese sauce and big chunks of fresh lobster meat. The whole thing was baked and then garnished with diced tomatoes and peppers. *insert drooling here* I know that JJ's prides themselves on their authentic Irish cuisine, but this Lobster Mac & Cheese was spectacular! A nice spot to enjoy lunch, or a few brews after work. JJ's is a relaxing spot with a fun atmosphere, and well worth a visit. They have live music a couple of nights a week, so it would be a great spot to unwind after all of the craziness along 7th Avenue.
(4)Arthur W.
You need to stop by and visit James Joyce for one of there 50 beers they have on tap. My wife and I were one of the first of many to complete the 50 beer challenge. If beer is not your thing, try an Irish breakfast shot....Amazing. We love going for the atmosphere.All the staff is pleasant and the bar patrons too.
(5)Angela B.
I had the chicken Caesar wrap which was good...the kettle chips though we're FANTASTIC! I ha a Wild Pineapple cider (which is from Colorado)...always nice to find home brews have made it across the country. My father-in-law had the Shepherd's pie and was quite happy. My husband ate every last bit of the Banger Sandwich.
(4)Jason B.
Had a great burger. Very tasty and lots of food. Had enough for the next day. I got the burger with blue cheese crumbles incorporated. Didn't imbibe but my cousin had an old fashioned that was made pretty well.
(4)Vinny T.
This place started off in Ybor City on 7th Avenue as a hidden gem of an Irish Pub at the top of some very steep stairs. While I miss the original location, today's James Joyce is a wonderful upgrade and great addition to Ybor City's mix of businesses. The size of the bar and seating area accommodate a good crowd and having a few outside tables gives you a nice place along the Street Car route to enjoy the sounds of Ybor. The food is really good I've enjoyed the burger on a couple of occasions and nobody I have been with has ever not enjoyed their meal. They also do a $9.99 lobster night on Monday's which I have enjoyed a few times now. Service is always friendly and the place has some pub games to entertain groups as well.
(4)Ameesh P.
Recently got to check this place out on a recent night out and boy was I impressed. I didn't even know this place existed since it moved, and it's actually a great location off the main drag in Ybor. They have a plentiful selection of beers on drafts and even liquor, which is my preference. The crowd and employees all seemed pretty lively on the Saturday night I was there and it was a great place to hang out with friends for an evening. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Brian S.
I was there as a party guest, for the 1st time last night. This restaurant is 3 years old (as of 2014) after relocation from a few blocks away to accommodate ADA requirements. This is a far cry from the relatively low quality taco shop that was there 3 years ago; a TOTAL RENOVATION is noteworthy. Named after the early 20th century Irish author and poet, this place has a wide variety of beers to suit all tastes. A small kitchen produces excellent foods, and I'M not easily impressed. Ingredients are original and on par with those of Wolfgang Puck. Many of the dishes lean away from traditional Irish, but our table of 3 found all to be excellently prepared. Service is friendly and attentive.
(5)Joe R.
NIce little bar, had a great guitar player, playing covers and some Irish jigs. Had the Bangers and Mash dinner, good flavor, not amazing.
(4)Mary M.
We've been here a couple of times and has not disappoint us. The atmosphere is great! They have over 50 types of beer to choose from, and the food is awesome. The prices are reasonable too.
(4)Chris B.
Very impressive beer lineup and it's nice and cozy inside. Liquor prices are pretty fair, but $7 for a Cigar City Jai-Alai? Ouch! The reason I dropped a couple stars (other than the overpriced CC beer), was the server was incredibly obnoxious. It was a sales pitch everytime she came over, and her language was surprising for someone who should probably be a little nice to the customers (she asked if I wanted a drink like the other mother f'ers.......she was referring to my friends). Anyway, she came up pushing shots ( said if we bought a round her manager would give us a free one) several times. The bathrooms could probably use an upgrade as well.
(3)Elizabeth W.
Quaint little Irish bar in Ybor city. They have a very extensive draft beer menu as well as food. Amen was our server and she was very attentive to us and answered all of our questions. The decor is very quaint; like a traditional Irish Bar. There is a fire place with some irish looking nick-nacks. There is a bookcase with books all about Ireland and drinking! It feels cozy in the pub as if you were in Ireland. We ordered the bistro chips to start off which were pretty tasty. They were kettle fried chips topped with a balsamic glaze, chunks of blue cheese, green onions and tomatoes. I wish maybe that their had been a blue cheese drizzle or some sort of melted cheese on it but overall they were pretty good. My fiancé order the Jameson burger and liked it ok but didn't feel as if it was anything to write home about. I ordered the Lobster Mac (strange I know being at an Irish Bar and all). It was pretty good. It was very cheesy and had chunks of lobster in the mac and cheese as we'll as lobster on top of it. Everyone around us was asking what it! Overall it was pretty good. Def. would come back and try something a little more tradtional!
(3)Derek N.
We arrived and promptly sat. I love the decor. We have been here many times for a beer (great selection) but never ate dinner. We had a CL deal and decided to try it out. We had the bistro chips to start with. They weren't bad, could have used melted cheese instead of big chunks of blue cheese. I ordered a beer, I love there selection!!! Dinner I ordered the Jameson bigger. The only good thing about this burger was the bbg sauce. The burger patty was bad, it tasted off and burnt. It was cooked medium like I ordered but just wasn't good. The Mac and cheese with lobster was the other dish that was ordered in this setting. Everyone was commuting on it and how it looked so good. I don't eat seafood so I can't really comment on it. Overall next time I go I will order something else and hope it is better.
(2)Isabelle W.
The service was great! Had TWO servers and they were very attentive. Had the shepherd's pie and it was delicious!
(4)Thomas C.
Didn't eat, but had several beers. They have an absolutely magnificent tap set up - 50 different beers, and the range of great craft brews is just perfect. Nice ambiance, nice people. Loved being here. Bit off the beaten path, and better for it.
(5)Glenn S.
Amazing Guinness Beef Stew. So rich and hearty. Great selection on tap to meet the needs of everyone regardless of beer tastes. Must be why they have Shock Top Seasonal.
(5)Emily A.
Love the pub, the atmosphere, food and especially the staff. Although the "dramatic review readings" suck. I've only been here for 20 minutes and that's just 20 agonizing minutes I'll never get back. Thanks. I'd rather suffer through karaoke night.
(5)Robert M.
Great wings, we did the Jameson BBQ and Medium sauces mixed together. Also great beer selection!
(4)Jason P.
This place blows.. Crazy blonde hideous looking bartender with an even worse looking republican elephant tattoo will call you a Nazi and have you thrown out if you fall into her trap and talk politics. Like I said she will set the trap with her gross tattoo and then if u say anything contrary to her warped opinion she screams"THIS GUYS A NAZI F#:K GET HIM OUT" Thought she was joking until a begrudging Owner asked me to please not make a scene and leave.. I could tell he was embarrassed by his bartenders ridiculous actions because he offered to buy me a drink if I came back.. I told him "not on your life"I would have fired that girl on the spot if it were my place... But I have the sneaking suspicion the owner has "vested interests" other than money.. Anyway have been here several times before and I must say that I really have liked the place. They do have awesome food, usually great service and great drinks and specials.. But this one horrible experience deserves the 1 star review. Hope your bartender wasn't lying when she said " I am just stopping off in Tampa on my way to Washington DC to do politics stuff" Ah the future of America looks bright with the right breed of young people getting involved with "politics stuff"
(1)Manida C.
Fun place and friend staff. There were shot specials and decent prices drinks. Didn't try the food but a good place a drink before a lightening game.
(5)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because the beer selection rocks. --- --- --- What in the world happened to Alaskan Tacos? James Joyce came in and completely disassembled its remnants. I'd imagine that they regularly hear gasps from customers walking in for the first time since the changeover. Every time I walk in now, I think about Ron Burgundy and rich mahogany. I always tell people that Ybor has something for absolutely everybody, and JJ adds another beer bar to the neighborhood, that goes along with New World Brewery. 50 taps aint to shabby! As for the food, I had the Dubliner and it was typical bar food with below average service. I hope JJ can improve on this, because I really dig this place and would love to eat there more often.
(4)Katy S.
I like James Joyce. A lot. You know what I am seriously a fan of? Bars with board games. Even if I'm not playing the board games, I like the option. It makes it feel like you are just hanging out in an expensive living room. Anyway, the food here is legit. I ordered some wings and Irish Fries (AKA the most unhealthy fries ever) and washed it all down with a Snakebite. The food was FANTASTIC and they have a wide array of beers (including a 50 beer challenge). This place may soon become my favorite bar in Ybor.
(4)Dillon K.
I totally dig this place! I live in ybor and come here at least once a week or so. It's a great place to start your evening before heading out to 7th. Good food, great beer and a couple of cute bartenders........ What more could you want. My only complaint, if any, is the music. That should change as they now have a touch tunes box.
(5)Claire K.
As authentic as it can be....James Joyce is awesome & has the true pub feel from my motherland (Ireland...not Target, my other motherland). The beer selection is one to gawk at and perhaps join the 50 beer challenge? JJ has an amazing pub grub menu, with some fancy sheppard's pie and steaks to boot. The Line Up: Boneless Wings (Jameson Honey BBQ & Garlic Parm) Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (Fried...there is no other way to go. Seriously) BBQ Bacon Burger The Verdict: GUILTILY DELICIOUS. And plentiful. The service was spectacular! We had one main server (#0026) and about 4 other servers came by semi regularly to check on us, our food, etc. It was like VIP treatment. Server 0026...a joy!
(5)Tia S.
So apparently you have to be a drunk to like the food here. After a few recommendations, I decided to try this place with a friend for dinner. The place was packed when we arrived which we though was a good sign. We later realized everyone was present for a $10 Lobster special they have Monday thru Wednesday nights. Although the lobster looked very appealing after seeing the 5th one delivered bright red on a plate to guests, we weren't in the mood for seafood. And besides I eat what the place is known for and Irish pubs are not typically well known for seafood. So you guessed it we wanted to try the Irish food. So after a bit of a wait for service we ordered the pub fries, bangers and mash and lobster mac (yeah yeah I know I said we weren't in the mood for seafood but the allure of the lobster got us). Well needless to say we should not have succumb to the lobster pressure cause the macaroni and cheese was awful. I will admit I am not a fan of processed cheese and this was full of it. This mac was processed cheese, soft noodles and overcooked tough lobster = YUCK! I took a bite and for verification so did my friend and that's all I could stand. The bangers and mash weren't any better. The sausage was ok but nothing special. The mashed potatoes were very thick and chunky which my friend did not like although it didn't bother me. What did bother me though was the lack of flavor and seasoning. This was all topped with mushroom gravy which taste like a lipton packet mixed with water. Maybe I have watched too many food network shows but this definitely wasn't homemade, no roux here. The only saving grace was the loaded fries we ordered as an ap and the wings we ordered as the safe tummy filler at the end. I mean how you can mess up fries ... cheese sauce, bacon and scallions with ranch dressing. Then after hating all of our entrée selections we ordered garlic parm wings as the savior for our not yet full tummies. They were good. Moral to this story, go here if you enjoy drinking beer because they have a large selection of craft beers on tap. It's a bar not an Irish pub really so order accordingly ... wings, burgers, fries are your best bet. Keep the expectations low and you won't be disappointed but do not expect anything near authentic when it comes to the Irish fare.
(1)Gabriel P.
This full service bar has drink specials all week long! A great variety of Whiskeys available, and a large selection of beers on tap. The menu here is surprisingly impressive, their burgers are amongst some of the best, and they even serve whole lobsters. Definitely a place to visit during St. Patty's or during a soccer match.
(4)Christopher S.
50 taps = 4 Stars! I went for mid-week lunch here and just gazed at the taps for a while before I sat down. I came out of my daze, perused the menu, and decided on a Galway Black N Bleu Burger! My partner-in-crime chose the Bangers N' Mash. Good thing 'cause I was dying to try the Guinness gravy. It was fairly decent but I've had better. The banger was good but not great. My burger was totally off the hook! The fries had that boradwalk quality to them and with the Malt vinegar, I was transported to the Mid Atlantic "non-beach" boardwalk! ;-P When I saw the Tap Challenge, I thought I might indulge...for a second...then I came to my senses! I will state for the record that if you want to come to an Irish Pub, come down to Flanagan's in Dunedin!
(4)Rachel H.
I meet with a group regularly here to play nerdy battle games and it fits the bill every time. Any place that has almost 50 beers on tap fits my bill. That sounded unintentionally dirty and I'm sorry. The wait staff is excellent and they let you try beers you aren't sure about, and they've usually got a special beer on tap for cheap. It changes so sometimes you might get Guinness and another day it might be a smaller craft brew, I guess it depends on what they need to get rid of, but it's a good deal and they have some great beers on tap every time I've been. If you are a whiskey lover, they pride themselves on their selection, but I am not so I didn't bother to get more info. If you don't bring your own games (I mean really, what kind of person doesn't have Risk loaded into their briefcase) there are plenty in the bar to choose from. They've taken the old Mema's and turned it into something completely unrecognizable (which is fine with me, I was the 1% of Tampa that didn't care for the crusty taco place). It looks great and even though it is probably three times the size of an English Pub, it has the character of one. You'd never guess it was new-ish. The food is hard to judge, I did get the fries and they were good but it's hard to mess that up. Judging by looks, all of my friends food looks awesome (lobster one night, crab legs another, smothered fries, all got good remarks). A fun place in Ybor City to come with a group or just to hang out at the bar.
(4)The Real D.
Came to here Andrew Ricker play and not only was the food amazing, I suggest the Ruben egg rolls amazing!!!!! The live band they had was Andrew Ricker, he definitely sets the chill vibe. His style is perfect for this pub. I'm definitely coming back every Sunday to eat Ruben egg rolls and listen to Andrew Ricker play
(5)Reesie R.
Listen, for a joint in Ybor, you can't beat the lobster nights. Unfortunately, they seem to overcook the lobster but it's FL. You can't expect them to be amazing like they are in the Northeast. However, just glad I can get some decent and affordable Maine lobster in Tampa.
(3)Michelle M.
If you are looking for a great bar in Ybor with a fantastic selection of beer The James Joyce Irish Pub is the place for you. The bar has a cozy, authentic Irish Pub feel with it's dark wood and brick walls, hard wood floors, and fireplaces. I like how James Joyce is a block off of the main Ybor strip. It's close enough to the action yet it's not in the middle of all of the nighttime craziness. The table behind us was playing Jenga with this huge wooden Jenga set so we had fun cheering them on throughout the night. We came here for the beer, but we will be back for the burgers!!! I noticed James Joyce has weekly menu specials such as lobster Mondays, $4 pints Tuesdays, all-you-can-eat snowcrab Wednesdays, all-you-can-eat Prime Rib Thursdays, and Taco Saturday.
(4)Rachel G.
I love this place! The food is an added bonus, and it's amazing. The bartenders are attentive the moment you come in and all willing to serve and help you.
(5)Amanda M.
This place was amazing. The food was on point. My friend ordered the fish n chips and I the Dublin. Sooo great !! Definitely a place to try !!
(4)Jason H.
I found it interesting that another reviewer pointed out the lack of sauce on the Jameson BBQ Burger because I ran into the same problem. The whole selling point of the burger, to me, was this unique sauce and there was barely any on it. Strange. Still flavorful, though. Fantastic beer selection as noted. Pretty sure that everyone can find something to drink at the James Joyce. Love being able to sample!
(4)Diana M.
This is such a fun little pub in Ybor!! We were here for Saint Patrick's Day weekend so this place was a much stop location. They really went all out for the big weekend. Lots of live music and they used part of their parking lot for an outdoor bar area. The interior has a great feel to it and I could see myself spending a lot of time here if I lived in the area!!
(5)Jeremy K.
To give The James Joyce a low score just feels wrong. Unfortunately, it also feels so right - The James Joyce has changed hands and no longer offers Lobster Monday through Wednesday - instead moving to a Monday night only offering. This comes with the proviso that you must purchase two drinks PER LOBSTER. This news came after we had purchased a gift certificate to use specifically on the lobster dinners that we had come to enjoy on a regular basis. Sadly, after we use the gift certificate (if that's even still possible) we probably won't come back. Sorry JJ - our desire for irish seafood is probably better served elsewhere.
(2)Mike S.
Fine array of draft, import & domestic, at Ybor prices. Since it was Monday, i tried tried the $10 lobster special...smalll and served only with melted butter. So finished off with a half sandwich and cup of onion soup.. Sandwich was just OK, soup was wonderful. Served quickly and efficiently at the bar. Need to return to try some Irish specialties such as bangers & mash.
(3)David G.
Best burgers I have had in Tampa since I moved here from Houston, TX a few months ago. I'm a bit of a burger snob so I was pleased with the quality of their brioche bun and generous medium cooked burger. Try the Nom Nom as the the fresh Jalepenos remind me of home. Amazing beer selection of both local craft brews and just about every beer you can think of from Ireland. They even have Kilkenny ale on draft and Magners cider. A big surprise was they had St. Arnold's Lawn Mower from my favorite brewery in Houston. Best place in Ybor City to have a few pints with friends. The only time they are open for lunch is on Fridays so plan ahead or stop by for happy hour after work.
(5)Kenny D.
Had the shepard's pie. Pretty good. Had the Kill Kenny Irish Creme Ale. It didn't kill me, which is a plus. The waiter, albeit a scary biker looking dude, was very nice!
(4)Christopher C.
Good environment Lots of choices for beer and whiskey/ scotch. Service was a little slow, but not slow enough to get mad about.
(3)Ryan M.
Couldn't complain. I enjoy it here, the beer selection is good and the people are kind and conversational.
(4)Katie K.
Awesome sandwiches and awesome French onion soup. Decent service and nice outdoor seating. But... No Irish coffees!!! What Irish pub has no Irish coffee
(4)Gerald S.
Impressive & picturesque pub. A must to visit with many beer options and perfect pour of Guiness. They have very interesting specials as well. Strongly suggest a visit.
(4)Nancy B.
Went with seven friends for the Monday lobster special. Server was very pleasant and efficient overall. In order to get the $12.99 lobster special you need to buy either an appetizer or two drinks. Since one member of our party was familiar with the place, he had told us of this requirement beforehand so I was fine with this. For $12.99 you get one lobster, a lemon, and melted butter. Nothing else. No sides. We were all a little disappointed by this so we ordered small side salads for a couple of dollars more. The problem was the lobster. It was bad. The tail meat was mushy and the claw was brownish and nasty tasting. My husband and I spend our summers at the Jersey shore and have Maine lobster at least once a week, sometimes at restaurants and sometimes cooking them at home. Believe me when I tell you that the lobsters at James Joyce are terrible. In defense of the restaurant, I admit we did not tell the server or give them a chance to rectify the situation as we didn't want to embarrass our host. So shame on me for that. Atmosphere is great and tons of draft beer. I will return but never get the seafood. Burgers looked good. Stick to bar food in a bar!
(1)Jennifer P.
My experiences at James Joyce have been very mixed, with some elements that were good, while others were completely disastrous. Unfortunately, the bad outweighed the good immensely. I do not plan on returning to this establishment, and I have recommended to friends and acquaintances to avoid if possible. The bad: 1. We went for the all you can eat crawfish night recently and the crawfish was simply inedible. The meat was rubbery and chewy. It was very clear that the crawfish was old. Some of the crawfish was smashed, others were squishy, and many, when opened, were brown. The potatoes and sausage that accompanied the crawfish were equally bad. Again they were obviously old, either sitting out, or cooked hours before in the day or the day before and microwaved to re-heat. I informed the server, who brought out a new batch of crawfish (I was with two other friends who also ordered crawfish and their dishes were just as bad). There was no improvement in this batch over the last three we sampled. 2. After the crawfish ordeal, we asked to speak with the manager. No one at the table was angry or upset, simply disappointed, and wanted a chance to order something new off the menu. The server returned and said that the manager was not in the office. When we asked to speak with the person who was in charge, she said that there was none. My friend at the table worked in restaurants for over 10 years and he informed us that this was highly unusual and strange that this would be the case. However, our server did oblige with our request and we were able to order something else without being charged for our crawfish. 3. On a different night I ordered the lobster mac and cheese. The only good thing about this dish is the huge piece of lobster on top of it. Simply put, this dish sucked. Don't order it. Huge waste of money. 4. The same night I ordered the lobster mac and cheese, I also experienced incredibly poor service. The restaurant was 3/4 empty; however, it took our server 20 minutes to return our checks to us. I saw her dawdling around the bar, chatting with the bartender and other patrons with our checks waving in her hand. I tried to get her attention numerous times, but was unsuccessful. The good: 1. Beer selection. Great beer, expensive prices. But servers/bartender are knowledgeable and helpful 2. My friends appeared to enjoy their burgers very much. One ordered the Jameson burger, the other ordered the nom-nom burger. I had a taste and thought they were good as well. 3. They have some great loaded nachos. 4. Servers, while lacking in execution, were always friendly.
(1)Lisa M.
I really like this place.....good food, cool atmosphere along with good drinks and a great beer selection!
(4)Matthew M.
Our absolute fave bar in the region. Great food. Tons of beers on tap. Food consistently good for bar fare and great servers and ownership. We go pretty much every weekend.
(5)Windy C.
Not only is the bar and beer selection great, but the atmosphere and service were Irish-worthy. Loved the fireplace. Loved the books available for reading. Loved the attention my server(s) slathered on my wife and me. Loved the music. Noise level did not require speaking loud. Loved the food though not for its beauty or sophistication, just good satisfying hearty fare. This is a place I could spend hours in and have no need or desire to go elsewhere. Like being in love, new love.
(4)Tara S.
My roommate had a groupon so we decided to go for drinks yesterday. What a waste. We sat down at the bar and waited about 15 minutes for a bartender to acknowledge our existence. The bar wasn't full or busy so there was no excuse for this. I ordered a beer and the pour was all head. The bartender actually poured into a glass and into a pitcher so there could be a full beer somewhere in there. I'm sorry, after waiting 15 mins to take my order, I am not going to wait another 10 for a beer to settle down. She did not even take my roommate's order. So 20 mins, and no booze, we walked out. The funny part was that the 2 bartenders was complaining about how terrible their tips were. With service like that they're lucky they even got tips.
(1)Angela K.
Disclaimer: James Joyce has become my version of Cheers...so, fair warning that I am a little biased when it comes to this review. I've been a patron of James Joyce since it was at it's original location (for several years at least). The new location is much more modern, but still keeps the classic "Irish pub" feel. I'll start with the bathrooms (since we all know that pub restrooms can be scary sometimes). The restroom is always clean and even has an adorable chair shaped like a pink high heeled shoe. The drinks: there are always drink specials going on $3, 4 or 5 shots & $5 car bombs. They have food specials all week, free chocolate covered strawberries for the ladies on Fridays and live music (usually) on Friday and Sat nights. Many of us "regulars" have become friends with the staff and the owners (Ryan & Janice). There is always a "family feel" when we are there. They listen to the opinions of their customers and are genuinely good people. There's a nice outdoor seating area out front & plenty of seating inside whether you want to sit at the bar, a table or even on the cushy couch by the giant Jenga table (I've even passed out on the couch before...but that's a story for another day). As for food, the kitchen is open pretty late...usually at least midnight-1am on the weekends. I've only had the bistro chips and Irish fries. Both were fresh & delish. James Joyce is always a good time!
(5)Lauren B.
Amazing burgers and great drink specials. I'd go back.
(4)Annemarie F.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PLACE IS AWFUL! I worked here for a few months and did not clock it ONCE! They stole money and screwed over many people (hence they have a very high turn-over)! The beer is the only good thing about this place! The management is terrible and SAWED through a bicycle for locking it up to their fence while eating at THEIR ESTABLISHMENT! DO NOT EAT HERE!
(1)Blake T.
I have been to this place three times, and each time was a bad experience. There is an arrogant attitude espoused by most of the wait staff and bartenders, and this completely ruins the James Joyce experience. I think that the staff needs a serious attitude adjustment especially if they want to appease tourists and rectify many of the negative reviews here on Yelp. My advice to anyone is to continue west down 7th or 8th and visit other establishments.
(1)Leslie F.
Technically open since 1977 but as a complete hole in the wall, these guys persevered with the famous author's name giving them Irish superpowers. Just recently, they set up shop at a new location on 8th Ave. in the historic Ybor City. A small dark dining hall with charm, this bar is a recent favorite of mine. Fireplaces and bookshelves add some flair while their 50 beers on tap provide an endless opportunity for good tastes and good times. Live Music is no stranger to this late night spot either...weekends at James Joyce mean loud instrumental talent bursting in your ears. The cuisine is delicious. Their Bangers N Mash...the best I've ever had. No, I am not exaggerating. Their burgers? Large and in charge, cooked flawlessly to order and snuggled up inside of a soft pretzel bun. Oh, I must mention they have $10 Maine lobster Mondays and All you can eat crawfish boil Wednesdays. These peeps, well, they know indulgence. Service is always better than average, especially considering the tight lines at the bar and swarming the tables. Friendly and attentive, I've never had an issue. JJ is quite possibly my favorite Irish pub in all of Tampa.
(5)Moki C.
They have a LOT of beer and whisky. I mean a LOT. People are friendly. And after $2 vodka drinks on a Saturday afternoon in Ybor City, why wouldn't they be? I had my favorite summer beer....blanche de bruxelles...pronounced Blanche de Brussels, as the bartender corrected me numerous times, until I said it correctly. The music went back and forth between Flogging Molly and traditional Irish...I kinda love this. The only thing missing was a ginger with a pot of gold. I'd like to go back at night for some live music.
(4)Katelyn B.
True Irish American bar. I love this place! I'm not a fan of going into ybor but I will for this bar. I love the Irish feel-- with the exception of the corny guy dressed as a 6 foot tall leprechaun (cheesy)! The food is authentic and delicious. The servers are on the ball...fast and efficient. The prices are very high which takes away a star. Beers are expensive! But at least the selection is wide! Tons to choose from.
(4)Jennie W.
My Cesar is nice an freshly tossed with fresh croutons, and grilled chicken was super tasty. I like this joint. They have plenty if beers to choose from if your a beer drinker. I'll have to check out more from the menu next time!
(3)Mike H.
Alright... so I gave 5 stars to another pub in Tampa already.. and deservedly so. The James Joyce was my first stop in Tampa this visit and it was an unexpectedly special evening. We walked in and smelled seafood, looked around, and discovered it was Lobster night. $9.99 per lobster. I had two. And most certainly a sufficient supply of Guinness to wash these ocean bugs down. What an evening. Every Monday night is lobster night there. And they have amazing deals all week. Go there. Tell them I sent you. You won't get a deal but they might say.. "Oh yeah... that guy.. he has a Guinness harp tattoo on his arm... yeah, we think he has a bit of a problem. Did he tell you to say he sent you? SECURITY!!!".
(5)Sean B.
Great atmosphere. Drinks were good service was good at the bar. The food wasn't spectacular but was better than average bar food.
(4)Daniel B.
Great place a little off the main drag in Ybor and well worth the walk. The bar is great and has a nice beer selection - they know how to pour a proper pint. The food is a mixed bag. Stick with classic pub grub and you cannot go wrong. Try something a little unusual or upscale and our results may vary. It is best to go here on an off-night and enjoy how cozy and comfortable it is. On a heavy night you may have to wait longer then is reasonable for service. I will say that this place is one of the reasons I lived or worked closer to this part of town because I would like to come here more often.
(4)Elbio M.
Went for lunch on a Sunday with my family and there was a baby roach in my wife's water. The waitress was mortified, but just brought us a replacement water. No apology or other offer to help make it right. That seemed to set the tone because I then had the lobster Mac n cheese and the lobster was overcooked and on the verge of spoiling. I ate around the lobster as much as I could and decided I would never eat here again. I feel lucky I didn't get food poisoning to be honest. I did give it two stars though because their beer selection was fantastic. Go here for beer and avoid the food, unless you want to put your immune system to the test!
(2)Brent L.
Really awesome pub. Excellent selection of beers on tap, awesome food, and overall great experience. A bunch of friends and myself have become regulars here, and we all have zero complaints! Definitely worth a visit!
(5)Greg F.
Ok, so I finally tried some of the food in this place rather than just sitting a the bar downing amazing draughts. We went on a Friday night and walked right in and grabbed a table. As awesome as this place is, I was surprised. I got the shepherd's pie and thought it was a little safe, but still tasty. My mom got the The Dubliner sandwich and absolutely loved it. I tried it and I must say I agree with her. My dad got the Guinness Beef Stew and was also very impressed. While the service can be a little slow, everyone is very personable and all in all do a decent job. They specials on most nights including my favorite, $4 for any of their 50 draughts on Tuesday night, plus $9.99 lobster on Mondays and all you can eat stone crab on Wednesdays. Another must see if you are in the area.
(4)Kelly P.
I'm not really sure how to review this place. I like the atmosphere and the large beer menu. They have a lot of tables and the environment is cool and laid back. I think I just miss the old James Joyce. The new James Joyce is no longer a dive bar. It is a little more sophisticated and quieter. I would go again and recommend it to friends. Be careful if you ask the server for a recommendation. She offered me an $8 beer. In the end this place is not typical Ybor. It is a refreshing off the beaten path little spot. Have fun!
(3)Brandon E.
On a whim, my coworker and I decided to try the new James Joyce Irish Pub. They have their own parking lot. The spots are a little small but heck, their own parking area in Ybor City?! The restaurant met my expectations for an Irish pub and had a healthy lunch rush. There must 50 beers on tap! We both ordered a burger, hand pressed and temped to perfection with hand cut fries. De-lish! Service was friendly and fast. A little slow on the refills but overall a great dining option with lunch and dinner specials to boot!
(4)Luis P.
Nice bar i like the option that you can drink in the open area
(5)Donald H.
Very good burgers!!!! menu selcetions looked intersting but our aim was burgers. had fun....good crowd...! waitstaff was attentive & informative. I will be back...!
(4)Daniel D.
The James Joyce offers a large selection of draft beers, from the typical Guiness to the harder to find microbrews. They ranged anywhere from $6-10 a pint. I ordered the Jameson burger with fries and it was decent, but not spectacular. It was cooked a bit unevenly and could've used more sauce. They only had one server working tables, but the service was only slightly delayed and he provided us with excellent service.
(3)Johnny C.
I'm being kind at 2 stars because the gentleman that first greeted us was pleasant. The only time I could see myself back at the new location is if someone else was paying and I was on a major bender. Service was appallingly slow (not all the young lady's fault as she was the only one serving the tables), the food was a dismal reward for such a long wait and it's not often I've returned a drink but it felt I was back in Ireland and the vodka was poured from an optic
(2)Sean C.
Absolutely love the new Joyce! It is one of a kind in Ybor City, 50 taps/full liquor with great food. I had the Nom Nom burger which was by far the best burger I had in Tampa. The service was great, they don't use to have wait staff at the old Joyce but now they do and Courtney was a great server. Went there for Friday for Diggler- the little person's fundraiser and had a great time. Pittbull Toddler was playing and I won a Bud portable grill!!
(5)Susan M.
Having been a patron of the old James Joyce I find it hard to reconcile the new one with the same bar. I think they are two totally different beasts. To me the new James Joyce is more of a restaurant that also serves drinks (and has quite an extensive bar). The food we have tried here has been excellent, I had the Shepherd's Pie and my husband had the Fish and Chips. The Shepherd's Pie was average but the Fish and Chips was excellent, the fish was perfectly crisp and flaky. Yum! If you had never been to the old James Joyce I think you would like this place very much. It's a very nice gastro pub now, with a nice decor and classy vibe. I like the food and this is a welcome addition to Ybor but I do miss the floor shaking upstairs in the old location.....
(3)Brett B.
awesome little spot for lunch. The burgers are very good. Would love to go back at night for a chance to try all their different kinds of beer. One day I will attempt the 50 beers in 30 days. Highly Highly recommend this place.
(5)Monika P.
other than the atmospheres being slightly appealing, it doesn't mask the terrible service, impolite "bouncers" and rude owner. sure they smile to your face but once you are gone, the things i hear them say are downright uncalled for. there are a dozen better places to spend your time and hard earned money in ybor city than this establishment. there are other bars where you can really be appreciated. not to mention they act before they think and ive seen them put sour tastes into many a mouths. for such a classy look, its definitely a fake feel. as an ybor native i can honestly say to everyone, please stay away. if not right now, one day you will thank me.
(2)Mary S.
I recently went to James Joyce, had a great time. The decor was really done well it made me feel I was in a true Irish bar. The beer was good, the food was delicious just a little greasy. I ordered a sampler plate. The nachos were awesome. Really good bar food. The large jenga set in front of the bar is fun to play. The only recommendations I would make is there needs to be a little more flow in the front of the restaurant. The cleanliness of the glasses could use some work. Overall I had a great time and would go back again. I hear they sometimes have a special were you can get a maine lobster for $10.00 on Mondays. Bartenders and staff very friendly.
(3)Tristan W.
Wife and I went on a Friday night for some drinks dinner. We got there around 8 PM and the place was pretty busy. Luckily we were able to grab a couple seats at the bar. The bar tenders were very friendly and helpful. The beer selection was great (though a bit pricey), and the food was top notch. Definitely some of the best wings I have had in a while. Later a live band showed up and played some Irish tunes which got the whole place going. We loved it!
(5)John F.
No longer open on Sundays as a number of us found out on Oct 11th :(
(1)Jeff S.
Place is awesome. Love the $9.99 whole lobster special mon-wed!
(5)Nikolai S.
Good place in Ybor. Pretty quiet comparing to other bars there. Have a great selection of Irish and UK beers on tap.
(4)Dr. Laura U.
I've been here before and liked it.The service was inconsistent, with one waitress being on top of things, and the other a twit. Their online menu showed dinner sized salads, and not one was on the menu in the bar. That is a problem. They need to get it together. I ended up with a burger that was over cooked and lame fries, so not worth the money or calories. Stick to drinks there.
(2)